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August 26, 2008

Carl's R.I.P. III Challenge

Yes, it's that time of year once again! And this time I'm ready with my list and have great hopes of completing this challenge. Here are all the particulars from Carl's website:

Mystery.Suspense.Thriller.Dark Fantasy.Gothic.Horror.Supernatural.

There is just something about this time of year, when the ghosts of past Autumns and the Autumn to come chase away the dog days of summer, that entices one to read books that fit into the above categories.

It was a desire share the love of eerie, creepy, things-that-go-bump-in-the-night literature that brought me into the online reading challenge game for the first time back in September of 2006. My goals today, in this its third iteration, are no different than the inaugural R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril Challenge:

1. Have fun reading.2. Share that fun with others.

It is that simple. Read on.

1. R.I.P. III runs from September 1st through October 31st, 2008. But I’m no stickler, start reading now if you feel so inclined.

2. Choose one of more of the perils listed below:

Peril the First:

Read Four books of any length, from any subgenre of scary stories that you choose.

Peril the Second:

Read Two books of any length, from any subgenre of scary stories that you choose.

Peril the Third:

Read One book of any length from one of the subgenres listed above.

This peril is for those who want to participate but don’t want to get bogged down in a long list of books. It is also for those who feel this type of reading is not their proverbial cup of tea but are willing to challenge themselves by giving just one book a try.

3. Leave a comment here announcing your intention to join and a link to the post* on your site, if you have one and choose to post about R.I.P. III.

*One of the things I enjoy about hosting and joining challenges is seeing what everyone else might be reading. I also like posting my own list–yet I am the first to break said list as my whims take control. So this year I want to do something a little different. Rather than posting a list of books you feel locked in to, instead post a pool of potential reads. That way we can all gather ideas from other people’s pools and no one need suffer the hangover effects of feeling boxed in by a list. Sound good? Those of you who want to participate but do not have blogs are welcome to post your book pool in the comments section here and I will link to it in the body of the post.

4. Post links to your reviews on the R.I.P.ing Yarns Review Site. I am using last year’s review site and posting a new comment thread in which you can post this year’s reviews. That way you can also go back and check out last year’s reviews (you may have to hit the ‘click here’ link at the bottom of the post to get last year’s list to pop up).

5. The most important thing: Have Fun! R.I.P. III is more than just a reading challenge. There will be contests and giveaways and some of the subject matter of my regular posts, especially as we approach October, will be more in fitting with the R.I.P. III spirit. There are artists who have committed to interviews and sales and other tie-ins as well.

Something Wicked This Way Comes is a must read for October, challenge or not. I absolutely loved that book when I read it last year. Same with Woman In White, which I still remember from when I read it about 20 years ago. Great choices, in my opinion, Les.

I wish I could join in. I love the RIP! But I'm so tired from all the back-and-forth driving that I think I'll just sit back and read Canadian books instead of adding another challenge. I just love Colleen's books; I'm sure you'll Rises the Night.

20th Century Ghosts has some terrific stories (and a few that I didn't care for -- I particularly like the title story). Eldest has my copy of A Brief History of the Dead and doesn't want to give it back because he hasn't read it, yet!! What a stinker! I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts. That's a great list.

I've got a Joe Hill book on my list, too. I'll be watching for your view of Ghosts, as I'm contemplating reading that book, too. I read Brief History of the Dead a couple years ago, and remember enjoying it but having issues with the ending.

Carl - I'm really looking forward to all the books! And, hey, you confused me there for a minute. I've picked Colleen's second book for the challenge. Already read the first. :)

Heather - I'd never heard of The Woman in White until you mentioned it on your blog. I'm looking forward to it! And Colleen's!

DesLily - I've heard nothing but great things about The Woman in White, so I'm hoping it lives up to the hype. Thanks for stopping by. BTW, I read your fabulous Tiny Story on Carl's blog. I loved it!

Nat - Glad to know I've picked a couple of winners. :)

Bellezza - I know, I know. I meant to read it last year, but somehow didn't get around to it. Definitely a must this year! Glad to hear The Woman in White is such a memorable book. I have yet to hear anything negative about it.

Iliana - Yep, I read (and loved) Heart-Shaped Box. Creeeeeeepy!

Stephanie - It's pretty short. You could probably squeeze it in this year. ;)

Nancy - I think you deserve to sit this one out. You need to read some happy & light books for a bit. I'm sure there will be a R.I.P. IV, don't ya think?

I'll go back and re-read your review for 20th Century Ghosts once I finish with it myself. I remember you liked some but not others. That seems to be the way of short story collections.

If I wind up not wanting to keep A Brief History of the Dead, I'll send it down to ya. Maybe you can get it read before the Eldest. :)

Melanie - I've only read one or two books by Bradbury, so I'm really looking forward to this one. Thanks for stopping by with your comment. Off to peruse your blog...

Lesley - Glad to hear you enjoyed Brief History of the Dead. I'll have to check back with you about the ending once I've finished.

Cara - I'm glad you found me again, too! I've been perusing your blog, but haven't had time to comment yet. When did you go back to WA? Weren't you in Colorado Springs the last time we were in touch? Guess that's been over 3 years now, huh?

We moved up to Whidbey last July. Jimmy's stationed with an EOD Unit up here (the bomb guys). He's retiring in 2010, and we're planning on moving to Wyoming (my homestate) I miss Colorado A LOT! Washington is beautiful though.. and we're enjoying it so far! Kids are HUGE, high school and middle school~ WHOA!

Elaine - Thanks for stopping by. I popped over to your blog to see what you have on your RIP III list. I'll be anxious to hear what you think of The Darkest Evening of the Year. I read it last November. You can find my review here, although you may want to wait until after you've read the book. I'd hate to influence your overall reaction to the book!